Cross-sectional prevalence and risk factors for otitis media and hearing loss in Australian children aged 5 to 7 years : a prospective cohort study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to provide estimates of the prevalence and associated risk factors for otitis media (OM) and hearing loss among urban Australian school-aged children. METHODS: This prospective cohort of participants were recruited from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study, a pregnancy cohort established in Perth, Australia between 1989 and 1991. This study examines 1,344 2nd Generation Raine Study participants who completed tympanometry and audiometry assessment at 5 to 7 years of age. Primary outcomes included the presence of OM, diagnosed by tympanometry, and hearing sensitivity. The impact of thirteen other potential prenatal and environmental exposures were analyzed as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: The study found the cross-sectional prevalence of OM at 5 to 7 years of age was 22.5% (n=302). The prevalence of unilateral and bilateral OM was 11% (n=148) and 11.5% (n=155), respectively. The prevalence of bilateral hearing loss ≥26 dB four-frequency average was 2.1%. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of OM and its associated hearing loss persisting up to and beyond the age of school entry (5 to 7 years) is concerning as a significant hearing loss may interfere with their educational and social development. One in ten children with OM diagnosed by tympanometry had a significant, bilateral hearing loss.